"Because now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite," she says

Katy Perry's new single Rise is out now on YouTube for all to listen to before it makes its debut at Rio 2016 Summer Olympics as the theme song. The accompanying video is a montage of footage from past Games, but it's not all victory dances and wins. Athletes fall and fail, but that's where Katy's message comes in: she wants Rise to inspire global unity and healing.

"This is a song that's been brewing inside me for years, that has finally come to the surface," said Katy. "I was inspired to finish it now, rather than save it for my next album, because now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite."

"I know that together we can rise above the fear in our country, and around the world. I can't think of a better example than the Olympic athletes, as they gather in Rio with their strength and fearlessness, to remind us how we ALL can come together, with the resolve to be the best we can be," she added.

"I hope this song can inspire us to heal, unite, and rise together. I am honoured that NBC Olympics has chosen to use it as an anthem before and during the Rio Games," she said.

We're hoping that Katy will perform Rise live at the opening ceremony.